Given the performance (or lackthereof) of Ashani‘s recent efforts, many have been scratching their heads as to why the singer is releasing her project via own label Written Entertainment.

For, while her present-day stock may not be high, her Platinum flavoured achievements from yesteryear precede her. Hence, the   former INC songstress would likely be a shoo-in for a fresh deal at any major label of her choosing.

In an interesting new interview with Sirus radio, the 32 year old sounds off on her reason for going independent and the difficulty in turning down a whopping seven record contracts in the time since her last studio album ‘The Declaration’.

Her words after the jump…

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140 characters (or less) have consistently proven themselves to be just enough ammunition for a certain Azealia Banks.  For, as the last few days have seen her engaged in an ongoing battle with fellow rapstress Angel Haze, now it seems Banks has her sights set on another diva – blogger Perez Hilton.

Indeed, Hilton nor Banks are any stranger to Twit-evoked controversy, but Friday night saw the twosome go camel toe to toe via the social media network over Hilton’s commentary on the Haze/Banks showdown.  While most of the exchange has been deleted, some of the most damaging quotes were captured.

See what we mean below (updated with apology):

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It’s safe to say it’s been a rough week for Interscope‘s Azealia Banks, following spats with Perez Hilton and the allegedly racist MC Angel Haze.

However, in what should brighten her mood, Rap icon Nas has declared his love for her material released by both she and ‘Catch Me‘ Rapper Nicki Minaj.

 His words below…

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As many a Chris Brown fan will attest, Sevyn Streeter has been an integral component of his material in recent times. Indeed, the singer-songwriter and former member of RichGirl has lent her pen to hits for the Pop star. She’s also crafted tracks for the likes of Alicia Keys and Brandy.

Now, Streeter is breaking out solo – serving up her first offering ‘I Like It’.

With the ball rolling on her promotional push, the stage blazer stopped by BET’s 106 & Park to introduce the cut’s accompanying video along with Brown.

Peep both the interview and video after the jump…

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One has to admire Nelly Furtado.

For, unlike many artists who willfully and skillfully erase any trace of their flop projects, the Canadian native is standing by her latest LP ‘The Spirit Indestructible’. This, despite the set selling just 6,000 copies first week in the US last September.

Having already opened up on the project’s performance (or lack-thereof), the 34 year old offers “interesting” insight on her career plans in the wake of the album’s sales in a new interview with the Times Colonist.

Full story after the jump…

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‘Southern Hospitality’ hitmaker Ludacris is treating fans to new guests aboard his Urban hit ‘Representin’.

As fans have fallen in love with the song’s original version featuring Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Rowland, it looks like Luda is looking to revamp the track from a completely male perspective – calling on reinforcement in the form of fellow hitmakers R. Kelly and rapper Fabolous.

The re-up, which sees R. Kelly on the chorus as Fabolous spits over the track’s second verse, was unveiled today.  How does it stack up against the original? You tell us below:

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Danity Kane diva Dawn Richard looks all sorts of fierce in new promo snaps for her long-awaited solo debut ‘Goldenheart’.

The Joan of Arc themed shoot is the latest in a series of edgy visuals employed to publicize the independent album, which arrives on January 15th via Altavoz Distribution. Thus far, the project has birthed single ’86’.

Peep more of the Dimitry Loiseau snapped pics below…

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Congratulations are in order for ‘Interscope’s Lana Del Rey this week.

For, by way of her singles ‘Ride‘, ‘Video Games’ and ‘Born To Die‘, her latest LP – of the same name as the latter- has now reached sales of 3 million units shifted worldwide.

Good news below…

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Ding, ding, ding!

Angel Haze has initiated “round three” in her still-raging beef with fellow femcee Azealia Banks – tonight unleashing ‘Shut The F**k Up’.

Swapping Twitter banter for scorn-soaked bars, the newcomer fired the first shot with diss track ‘On The Edge’ last night. And with Banks barking back with ‘No Problems’ this afternoon, Haze wasted no time jabbing with another missile of her own.

Take a listen below…

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Michelle Williams is certainly a girl about town.

Last week saw the Destiny’s Child staple and latest addition to the ‘FELA’ cast spread Holiday cheer at the end of year party for  fashion line BCBGMAXAZRIA. 

Watch below as the vocal powerhouse soars with ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’…

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Ever vocal, it was always inevitable that Azealia Banks would bark back at the diss track Angel Haze unleashed on her last night. As such, cue ‘No Problems’.

Produced by MachineDrum, the cut takes aim at Banks’ femcee rival.

Does it pack enough to cool Haze’s blaze? You be the judge after the jump…

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Sometimes, in the confused ‘hoo ha’ that is her handling, it’s easy to overlook what Nicki Minaj has achieved since the release of her debut album ‘Pink Friday‘, now three years ago.

Now, in the event the world had forgotten her standing as the commercial Queen of Female Rap, she’s broken a chart record that sees her surpass feats scored by each and every Female Rapper alive.

Details below…

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